I like how this method trains the eyes to see objects as a proportionate "whole," and not get lost in details which will emerge later drawing. Thank you for sharing.
As a graphic designer who got turned off from drawing after too many hours at it. This has inspired me to pick up my tools again after a 25 year absence, thank you.
Only just stumbled on this video. What a breath of fresh air, you have a great tutorial voice and your editing is very professional, and no anoying adverts during the video. Lovely, and I've learned a lot!
Thank you! Incredibly helpful all the way round. I will definitely use the envelope method. I also appreciate you walking your viewers through the lightest lights and darkest darks method as well.
I've done numerous drawing and life drawing courses and never come across this envelope method before. No more grids and proportional dividers! Many thanks.
I learned a lot from this video, and will give it a try! The envelope method is a great way to get things started, and I like it a lot more than using a grid method. Working white on black is also a nice exercise and so different than working black on white. Thank you for taking the time to share your process with all of us!
This is the best video on the envelope method I have ever seen. The way you do the first three lines to set the general size of the drawing and the proportion of the first line to the second line, is what most demo on this method miss. This was great. Thank you.
Phil, I learnt so much more from your videos than any other books combined. I did all the lessons . I wish I had paid more attention to drawing when I was member of ArtTutor . Thanks a bunch. Keep inspiring us.
God bless you man, you have no idea how much I needed this. People often skip on good explanations for processes in their videos and leave you hanging.
Thank you so much!! This really helped me get away from "Symbol drawing" and showed me how to not get overwhelmed looking at something you don't know how to draw yet.
This tutorial was an eye-opener for me. I’ve never heard of the enveloping technique and I’m impressed. I’ve never had trouble drawing, I enjoy it and love doing portraits especially, but what frustrates me no end is the proportions! I get them wrong sometimes. Instinctively I’ve tried to assess the proportions of one line to another but you’ve gone further and explained in more detail. Thank you very much -I’ll certainly have a go myself using a reference of my own, which will test me further. Your drawing was stunning.
This technique is so interesting and compelling. I think seeing and reproducing value is much more complex than it seems initially and this is quite an exercise in distinguishing subtle and dramatic differences in lights and darks. For me, seeing the subtleties is much more difficult in color ant this white on black technique is like doing push-ups in preparation. Very interested in the enveloping method. It kind of helps blank out the brain's intense desire to skip shapes and "make a person," which inevitably results in getting things out of proportion! This method objectivizes the drawing and calms the brain down! You are a clear and calm teacher like your dad!
The way you've broken down the reference points and the shapes has clarified some key concepts that I was struggling with. This method will help me a lot -- thank you!
I've been drawing for many years, but I still learned a lot from this lesson. It's very true what you said about being able to read tonal values. Even though the photo you were working from was very high contrast for the most part it still had areas where there were mid tones. I really enjoyed the video.
Subscribed!! Beginner drawer here. Never imagined it would be possible for me to draw something like this, but when you started drawing angles, it all clicked for me! Thank you!
many thanks .Admit to being skeptical at first but tried it along with you with white pastel on dark gray paper and I was pretty happy with the result. Think I'll sign up for Draw Awesome. You're a great teacher.
Always had a passion for drawing. Absolutely love this method. Unfortunately, I'm already in my 30's and this is the 1st time I've seen this technique. I will definitely be trying this. Loved the video.
Thanks for this, it's a very useful technique. I often use negative drawing and regularly look for shapes and angles in drawing, but enveloping is a great technique. Simplifying and breaking down an image into an easy to follow and quick process. Beautiful drawing
Thank you! I enjoyed every moment. I have a LOT of work to do to get good as you. I at least understood what I was seeing here in the values. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your wonderful explanation of the enveloping technique. I began drawing during the shutdown and was self taught with help from you tube. I struggled with getting proper proportions especially when drawing birds, my favorite subject. You’ve taken my art to the next level
Hi. Just now discovered your channel. Loving this tutorial…! I’ve drawn from life, an older African American woman, seated across the table from me during some Art class. She was irritating and loud. She wore huge framed glasses, white. I had a medium brown piece of construction paper and managed to capture her without her noticing. I gave it to her once done. She was kinda blown away, and thanked me. My classmates liked the easily recognizable subject of the drawing. I only used 2 color pencils, white & black (?), maybe brown? My drawing didn’t use the enveloping technique. Just freehand.
Thank you so much for this great lesson. I never did a portrait because I find it too difficult. But with your lesson I may try to do this one. Thanks again.
Yes, I really enjoyed this tutorial on basics of drawing. You are not only a good artist, but a wonderful teacher. Many thanks to you for sharing this talent.
This was brilliant. I’d forgotten about enveloping….such a useful technique. And a negative drawing which has always been something I struggle with. I think I might have to go purchase a pastel pencil and some dark toned paper. Loved the detailed exploration of putting in the features with negative drawing.
Enjoyed this and it makes a change drawing in the lights rather than sketching darks. Some years ago I did a life study class, but was never explained how to develop the angles first. You explained them perfectly. Thanks.
Thanks for this one. It was really enjoyable to watch. I definitely plan to have a go at it as I did some drawing on black paper years ago and found the ‘switch’ really fun but never went back to it. The envelope method is something I also need more practice with so you’ve certainly set the bar high.
I loved having a go at this one, Phil. I didn't have black so used brown but think it worked. Interesting working backwards using the negatives. Thanks for a lovely Sunday afternoon drawing.
I'm glad I tried this with you, learning about the enveloping technique along with my attempt at drawing white on black. I do wish you had spent more time on the shading.
When I finished watching the video I said to myself "this is awesome". Roll mouse down for subscription and I like it, I saw the name, obviously Draw Awesome. Thank you for sharing.
Phil...I think I had picked up this envelope method few years back from you...and I'm following that for my every drawing since then.. extremely useful. Thank you🙏🙏
HI, THANK YOU!! I HAVE ZERO FORMAL ARTISTIC TRAINING. I AM TOLD BY PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND ART PROFESSORS THAT, I HAVE A " GOD GIVEN GIFT." I TOTALLY AGREE, AND EMBRACE THESE ARTISTS OPINIONS , SIMPLY , BECAUSE THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MY ARTISTIC ABILITIES " FEEL LIKE TO ME WHEN," I AM LOST IN THE FLOW OF CREATING ART. CREATING ART IS A VERY MEDITATIVE EXPERIENCE FOR ME PERSONALLY - THE "ME" IN THE PROCESS DISAPPEARS AND I FEEL THAT I AM JUST THE INSTRUMENT. I AM TRULY FASCINATED BY THE CREATIVE PROCESS AND ALL THAT IT ENCOMPASSES IE, SIGHT, SOUND ,TOUCH SMELL , TASTE ETC. IN FACT, I WAS INSTICTUALLY DOING WHAT YOU DEMONSTRATE IN THIS EXCELLENT VIDEO CONTENT. HOWEVER, NOW, I BETTER UNDERSTAND WHY MY BRAIN WAS SEEING THESE SHAPES AS PARTS OF THE WHOLE. BRAVO!! EXCELLENT VIDEO CONTENT! THANK YOU!
This was really helpful! I’ve been using the grid method and that’s helpful too but takes so much time and this seems to work better for me. Thank you for posting! Liked and subscribed!
What an amazing lesson. I’m awful with angles and ratios and can never get my head around them but you’ve just explained this so well. I’m defo a new subscriber, especially as I think you might be a fellow scouser! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks so much. Just came across your lessons. Exactly what I needed. I will now attempt this pastel pencil in my iPad and am excited to follow your lead. I am new to sketching and found tHis most helpful.
Thanks for this tutorial - I was able to improve my white on black quite considerably. The only issue I had was erasing the construction line - it left quite a mark even though I used pastel pencil and pastel paper and I thought it erased OK before hand.
This was beautifully done! Thank you for providing the terms (Reference Points)! I'm so happy, you just aliminated several issues I've been struggling with! Example, how to use Reference Points instead of a grid, how to use a ruler, to change how I'm looking at my Reference Photo! I believe this will enhance my ability to draw on a larger scale! I've racked my brain again and again with how to achieve proper perspective! I can transition from any size or scale and with a little help from digital. I would be able to separate, reposition, shade, lighten and turn-up any medium! Thank you for the presentation!
Glad I found you, this lesson helped me quite a bit... I use a pantograph usually, and or light box to start. I have always hated the grid method.. But still would get my proportions off when not using the mechanical means. I do I think use enveloping mind already which was why this was easy for me to grasp... I squint my eyes and draw back to fade out the rest of the drawing to get the darker shapes, and such just see shapes then not details like you were saying. Great lesson! Subbed.
Very good tutorial and explanation of enveloping. I actually thought I knew this by a different name called "blocking". But this approach has more to do with proportions. It's a more intuitive and direct approach to getting accurate proportions. It will definitely help my drawing. thx
First at all, thanks! Hard to me as this is the first time doing this negative portrait but... BUT seems not hard at all with your easy explanation detailed. Again, thank you
Muchas gracias profesor por su paciencia para enseñar. Cuando comenzó a sombrear yo pensé ya va a empezar a acelerar el vídeo como algunos lo hacen y no dejan ver como hacen los trazos y no platican lo que están dibujando. Mi ingles es muy pobre pero usted habla muy bien y entendible su ingles bien explicado me agrado esta técnica apenas estoy empezando en esto del dibujo voy a intentar con esta técnica gracias y se vio que su interés es enseñar tiene ética profesional felicidades...
Brilliant and so informative!Thankyou so much for the tutorial,I have been trying out tones and values but I love your technique and definitely going to try it!👏🏻👍
Really enjoyed this. Going to have a go on holiday as it’s great not having to take too much kit,! Thanks v much! Just subscribed. I like yours succinct instructive comments without all the waffling you get on many other channels! I’ll definitely return.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Did you enjoy this? Are you going to have a go?
I like how this method trains the eyes to see objects as a proportionate "whole," and not get lost in details which will emerge later drawing. Thank you for sharing.
What a faff about..
Thank you, you explain very well and to the point. This will really help my drawing, I will give it a try soon.
As a graphic designer who got turned off from drawing after too many hours at it. This has inspired me to pick up my tools again after a 25 year absence, thank you.
I absolutely love Phil Davies tutorials. He explains everything so well. I will definitely use the envelope method again.
Only just stumbled on this video. What a breath of fresh air, you have a great tutorial voice and your editing is very professional, and no anoying adverts during the video. Lovely, and I've learned a lot!
Thank you! Incredibly helpful all the way round. I will definitely use the envelope method. I also appreciate you walking your viewers through the lightest lights and darkest darks method as well.
I've done numerous drawing and life drawing courses and never come across this envelope method before. No more grids and proportional dividers! Many thanks.
First time I have ever done this type of excersise and I really enjoyed it. Very easy to follow excellent teacher and instruction. Thank you 🙂
I learned a lot from this video, and will give it a try! The envelope method is a great way to get things started, and I like it a lot more than using a grid method. Working white on black is also a nice exercise and so different than working black on white. Thank you for taking the time to share your process with all of us!
This is the best video on the envelope method I have ever seen. The way you do the first three lines to set the general size of the drawing and the proportion of the first line to the second line, is what most demo on this method miss. This was great. Thank you.
Phil, I learnt so much more from your videos than any other books combined. I did all the lessons . I wish I had paid more attention to drawing when I was member of ArtTutor . Thanks a bunch. Keep inspiring us.
God bless you man, you have no idea how much I needed this. People often skip on good explanations for processes in their videos and leave you hanging.
Thank you so much!! This really helped me get away from "Symbol drawing" and showed me how to not get overwhelmed looking at something you don't know how to draw yet.
This tutorial was an eye-opener for me. I’ve never heard of the enveloping technique and I’m impressed. I’ve never had trouble drawing, I enjoy it and love doing portraits especially, but what frustrates me no end is the proportions! I get them wrong sometimes.
Instinctively I’ve tried to assess the proportions of one line to another but you’ve gone further and explained in more detail. Thank you very much -I’ll certainly have a go myself using a reference of my own, which will test me further. Your drawing was stunning.
This technique is so interesting and compelling. I think seeing and reproducing value is much more complex than it seems initially and this is quite an exercise in distinguishing subtle and dramatic differences in lights and darks. For me, seeing the subtleties is much more difficult in color ant this white on black technique is like doing push-ups in preparation. Very interested in the enveloping method. It kind of helps blank out the brain's intense desire to skip shapes and "make a person," which inevitably results in getting things out of proportion! This method objectivizes the drawing and calms the brain down! You are a clear and calm teacher like your dad!
This has been a great tutorial. I always have trouble with measuring. You have helped me so much. Thank you.🥰
The way you've broken down the reference points and the shapes has clarified some key concepts that I was struggling with. This method will help me a lot -- thank you!
I've been drawing for many years, but I still learned a lot from this lesson. It's very true what you said about being able to read tonal values. Even though the photo you were working from was very high contrast for the most part it still had areas where there were mid tones. I really enjoyed the video.
Subscribed!! Beginner drawer here. Never imagined it would be possible for me to draw something like this, but when you started drawing angles, it all clicked for me! Thank you!
many thanks .Admit to being skeptical at first but tried it along with you with white pastel on dark gray paper and I was pretty happy with the result. Think I'll sign up for Draw Awesome. You're a great teacher.
Always had a passion for drawing. Absolutely love this method. Unfortunately, I'm already in my 30's and this is the 1st time I've seen this technique. I will definitely be trying this. Loved the video.
I'm 79, BFA in art, and first time I've ever seen this demo! Exciting! Looking forward to trying it soon!
Hell like the other poster I'm 69 amateur artist, but besides, you don't stop learning...
Thank you so much. You just taught me one of the most important lessons I've learned in my art journey. I see it clearly now.
Incredible lesson,thank you. I am struggling with drawing so this helped me so much. Glad I found you and joined the group.
Thanks for this, it's a very useful technique. I often use negative drawing and regularly look for shapes and angles in drawing, but enveloping is a great technique. Simplifying and breaking down an image into an easy to follow and quick process. Beautiful drawing
Thank you! I enjoyed every moment. I have a LOT of work to do to get good as you. I at least understood what I was seeing here in the values. Thank you.
Brilliant demonstration. I like this technique because it gives you accuracy without a mechanical feel to the finished drawing.
Wow! This is so beautiful and incredibly amazing. Very good tutorial too. Everything is explained wonderfully. Thinking to give it a go….
Thanks so much for your wonderful explanation of the enveloping technique. I began drawing during the shutdown and was self taught with help from you tube. I struggled with getting proper proportions especially when drawing birds, my favorite subject. You’ve taken my art to the next level
Hi. Just now discovered your channel. Loving this tutorial…! I’ve drawn from life, an older African American woman, seated across the table from me during some Art class. She was irritating and loud. She wore huge framed glasses, white. I had a medium brown piece of construction paper and managed to capture her without her noticing. I gave it to her once done. She was kinda blown away, and thanked me. My classmates liked the easily recognizable subject of the drawing. I only used 2 color pencils, white & black (?), maybe brown? My drawing didn’t use the enveloping technique. Just freehand.
This really opened my eyes to practicing freehand drawing!
Thank you so much for this great lesson. I never did a portrait because I find it too difficult. But with your lesson I may try to do this one. Thanks again.
Best tutorial I've seen in a while.
Thank you Phil ! Grateful for your generosity !
Yes, I really enjoyed this tutorial on basics of drawing. You are not only a good artist, but a wonderful teacher. Many thanks to you for sharing this talent.
That's how I scale up on murals without doing a grid. Great presentation my friend. 👍👍
This was brilliant. I’d forgotten about enveloping….such a useful technique. And a negative drawing which has always been something I struggle with. I think I might have to go purchase a pastel pencil and some dark toned paper. Loved the detailed exploration of putting in the features with negative drawing.
Enjoyed this and it makes a change drawing in the lights rather than sketching darks. Some years ago I did a life study class, but was never explained how to develop the angles first. You explained them perfectly. Thanks.
I plan to draw this exercise, never have done, so it should be fun. thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this one. It was really enjoyable to watch. I definitely plan to have a go at it as I did some drawing on black paper years ago and found the ‘switch’ really fun but never went back to it. The envelope method is something I also need more practice with so you’ve certainly set the bar high.
i liked this. The envelop requires a different way of looking and seeing, but I think it would definately be worth the stretch. Many thanks.
I loved having a go at this one, Phil. I didn't have black so used brown but think it worked. Interesting working backwards using the negatives. Thanks for a lovely Sunday afternoon drawing.
I'm glad I tried this with you, learning about the enveloping technique along with my attempt at drawing white on black. I do wish you had spent more time on the shading.
Excellent drawing lesson! thanks from Argentina!
When I finished watching the video I said to myself "this is awesome". Roll mouse down for subscription and I like it, I saw the name, obviously Draw Awesome. Thank you for sharing.
Incredible. Simply incredible.
As a pure beginner this has helped a lot. Thankyou
Phil...I think I had picked up this envelope method few years back from you...and I'm following that for my every drawing since then.. extremely useful. Thank you🙏🙏
I so enjoyed this lesson and cannot wait to try it on my own! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you, I really enjoyed this lesson! I am looking forward to attending more of your lessons.
You’re an excellent teacher thanks for sharing
HI,
THANK YOU!! I HAVE ZERO FORMAL ARTISTIC TRAINING.
I AM TOLD BY PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND ART PROFESSORS THAT, I HAVE A " GOD GIVEN GIFT."
I TOTALLY AGREE, AND EMBRACE THESE ARTISTS OPINIONS , SIMPLY , BECAUSE THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MY ARTISTIC ABILITIES
" FEEL LIKE TO ME WHEN," I AM LOST IN THE FLOW OF CREATING ART.
CREATING ART IS A VERY MEDITATIVE EXPERIENCE FOR ME PERSONALLY - THE "ME" IN THE PROCESS DISAPPEARS AND
I FEEL THAT I AM JUST THE INSTRUMENT.
I AM TRULY FASCINATED BY THE CREATIVE PROCESS AND ALL THAT IT ENCOMPASSES IE, SIGHT, SOUND ,TOUCH SMELL , TASTE ETC.
IN FACT, I WAS INSTICTUALLY DOING WHAT YOU DEMONSTRATE IN THIS EXCELLENT VIDEO CONTENT. HOWEVER, NOW, I BETTER UNDERSTAND WHY MY BRAIN WAS SEEING THESE SHAPES AS PARTS OF THE WHOLE.
BRAVO!!
EXCELLENT VIDEO CONTENT!
THANK YOU!
This was really helpful! I’ve been using the grid method and that’s helpful too but takes so much time and this seems to work better for me. Thank you for posting! Liked and subscribed!
Awesome indeed! Wow! Thank you for sharing. Never saw such an approach.
What an amazing lesson. I’m awful with angles and ratios and can never get my head around them but you’ve just explained this so well. I’m defo a new subscriber, especially as I think you might be a fellow scouser! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks so much. Just came across your lessons. Exactly what I needed. I will now attempt this pastel pencil in my iPad and am excited to follow your lead. I am new to sketching and found tHis most helpful.
I SUBSCRIBED TO YOUR TH-cam CHANNEL- BASED ON THIS VIDEO CONTENT ALONE! THANK YOU, FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
Thank you, you explain very well. I really appreciate these tutorials.
Thank you for this tutorial. It will be very helpful. And you are a talented artist and a gifted teacher
That’s brilliant, and I think that’s a beautiful sketch!
What a great demo, thanks for it
Absolutely masterful! What a great tutorial. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Thanks for this tutorial - I was able to improve my white on black quite considerably. The only issue I had was erasing the construction line - it left quite a mark even though I used pastel pencil and pastel paper and I thought it erased OK before hand.
This was beautifully done! Thank you for providing the terms (Reference Points)! I'm so happy, you just aliminated several issues I've been struggling with! Example, how to use Reference Points instead of a grid, how to use a ruler, to change how I'm looking at my Reference Photo! I believe this will enhance my ability to draw on a larger scale! I've racked my brain again and again with how to achieve proper perspective! I can transition from any size or scale and with a little help from digital. I would be able to separate, reposition, shade, lighten and turn-up any medium!
Thank you for the presentation!
I drew along with you and I love the outcome. I’ve never done anything like this before! I just requested to join your group.
Amazing technique for drawing. Equally good the drawing part. Thanks for sharing
Thank. Love this approach to skill building.
Glad I found you, this lesson helped me quite a bit... I use a pantograph usually, and or light box to start. I have always hated the grid method.. But still would get my proportions off when not using the mechanical means. I do I think use enveloping mind already which was why this was easy for me to grasp... I squint my eyes and draw back to fade out the rest of the drawing to get the darker shapes, and such just see shapes then not details like you were saying. Great lesson! Subbed.
Enjoyed this during my rest period
Thank you so much for your detailed explanation I will certainly give it a try yvonne
Great info, will give it a go, and start using shapes method . Thank you for this tutorial. I've never done anything like this. I'm excited to try it!
This is PURE GOLD- thank you so very VERY MUCH! New sub of COURSE
Yes will try this method. Thank you!
Very good tutorial and explanation of enveloping. I actually thought I knew this by a different name called "blocking". But this approach has more to do with proportions. It's a more intuitive and direct approach to getting accurate proportions. It will definitely help my drawing. thx
Really enjoyed that, thanks. Definitely going to have a go.
Thank you. It did help very much. You did great. That looks super.
So easy to follow - I have learnt a lot. Thank you 🙏
Enjoyed watching this. Would like to try something similar.
Hi Phil...please post more videos😊👌
Oh my gosh this is so helpful, thank you!
First at all, thanks! Hard to me as this is the first time doing this negative portrait but... BUT seems not hard at all with your easy explanation detailed. Again, thank you
Thank you for the very detailed explanation I will certainly give it a try Yvonne
Thank you for teaching this technique.
Really great work ,I can't wait to try one of these drawings ,I love how you approached the drawing ,thanks
Nice work and it taught me so much. Thanks.
Amazing drawing and lesson, thank you so much.
Muchas gracias profesor por su paciencia para enseñar. Cuando comenzó a sombrear yo pensé ya va a empezar a acelerar el vídeo como algunos lo hacen y no dejan ver como hacen los trazos y no platican lo que están dibujando. Mi ingles es muy pobre pero usted habla muy bien y entendible su ingles bien explicado me agrado esta técnica apenas estoy empezando en esto del dibujo voy a intentar con esta técnica gracias y se vio que su interés es enseñar tiene ética profesional felicidades...
Enjoyed the tutorial. I'm going to try my very first one.
Very good. Great lesson. Much appreciated!”
Learend a lot. Very nice presentation. Going to give it a try🤦🏼♀️
Absolutely brilliant thank you. I’m definitely going to give it a go
Brilliant and so informative!Thankyou so much for the tutorial,I have been trying out tones and values but I love your technique and definitely going to try it!👏🏻👍
Really enjoyed this. Going to have a go on holiday as it’s great not having to take too much kit,! Thanks v much! Just subscribed. I like yours succinct instructive comments without all the waffling you get on many other channels! I’ll definitely return.
Such a fantastic tutorial. Thank you so much 😊
Fantastic tutorial very well explained..elaborate and informative. Thanks a lot.
Hi.. thanks for the lesson.. enjoyed and learnt lots from it.. will definitely be using this style of enveloping a go in the future.. 🖌️
Awesome process! Thanks!
I've really enjoyed this thank you.
Beautiful demo. Thank you!
Yes I’m having a go!! Absolutely!!
thanks, i needed that. very helpful!
For all this method is good for proportionate layout, it takes all the fun out of drawing.
Absolutely great. Helps me a lot. Thank you